The Malaysian Accountant - The Malaysian Institute Of Certified ...

He stressed that the MICPA, as an organisationshould take the lead in putting forth its views on importantissues that involve the profession. “In that way, memberscan see, read and hear what the Institute is saying, take thelead from there and spur to greater heights.”He pointed out that studying to be a CPA and thesubsequent years of training teaches students a lot. “Theexams are difficult but doable. The training exposes you tomany real working issues and companies. I guess thebottom-line is that you get so much exposure. It is like thebest business school in Malaysia,” said the charismaticAccountant who credits his choice of profession to hisrenowned father, Mohammad Raslan Abdullah, one of thethree founding partners of Hanafiah Raslan Mohamad.Aside from his work, family is important to Dato’Johan. “I am incredibly fortunate to have such a lovingand supportive wife and family,” said the 47-year-oldfather, of two daughters and a son.TEN QUICK QUESTIONSTMA: What are your likes and dislikes?DJR: I really like working in KL. I love it, it’s marvellousand a varied place to work. Dislikes, I can’t think of any.TMA: What sort of music do you listen to?DJR: Very varied. I don’t normally buy CDs. I listen to theradio when driving and I have pre-programmed Light FM,Mix FM, Hitz FM, some Malay stations, one Indian and twoChinese stations. I kind off flip them around.TMA: If you could, is there anything you would liketo change in your life?DJR: I can’t think of anything. Okay, there is one thing. Ithink my father would have loved to see Malaysia progressto this stage.TMA: To you what does it mean to be a Malaysian?DJR: We are not a huge country so one person can makea difference in Malaysia. We are a very agile sort of countryand are so diverse; that’s our strength. Certainly inbusiness, we argue, discuss and challenge one another andwe come up with better answers than if we are all of thesame persuasion. Diversity makes us stronger.TMA: How do you relax?DJR: My family is my relaxation.TMA: What are your favourite food and drink?DJR: Banana leaf rice and 'Nasi Kandar' and I love verygood coffee.TMA: Any advice to young professionals taking theMalaysian CPA examinations?DJR: It’s worth it.TMA: Do you ever see yourself retiring?DJR: Absolutely yes.TMA: Are you into mobile gadgets?DJR: I am into my mobile phone and my Blackberry butthat’s it. I am not a technie person. But I am hooked onthese two.TMA: Complete this sentence. Being a CPA…..DJR: Will set you and your family up for life.www.micpa.com.myJune/August 2007 | The Malaysian Accountant |23